Thyroid malfunction can be a bigger deal in women with all their other hormonal cycles being affected, and closely interlinked with Polycystic Ovarian Disorder.

Thyroid malfunction can affect adults as well as children. Iodine deficiency is one of the major causes of thyroid malfunction, and is one of those that can be easily prevented by tweaking our daily diets.

Thyroid malfunction affects millions of people worldwide – affecting every woman out of 10. The early symptoms of thyroid disease can be fairly easily detected as it’s a problem relating to almost every function of the body.

There are now certain medications being given to women and girls for keeping their hormone levels under control and helping the thyroid gland to function properly. But the important thing to note here is that any of these signs and symptoms of thyroid malfunction seen in teenage girls has to be brought to the notice of a medical practioner without much delay, not to be mistaken to be a normal fallout of adolescence.

The major symptoms of thyroid malfunction

Never ending exhaustion

Difficulty in getting sleep

Repetitive mood swings

Lack of focus, forgetfulness (not normal for children)

Constipation

Continuously feeling cold or hot or sensitivity towards temperatures

Irregular menstrual cycles (for girls)

We all know about the common types of thyroid malfunction like Hyperthyroidism (over active secretion of hormones) and Hypothyroidism (under active or less secretion of hormones). Other than that, we should also be aware of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, which plays its game through immune system hacking upon the thyroid, related to hypothyroidism. In it the body takes the thyroid’s T3, T4 and TSH levels as threats, targeting the thyroid cells as producing anti-bodies.

Some common conditions that can cause thyroid malfunction

Pregnancy stress.

Emotional stress.

Endocrine disruptors which mess with the normal estrogen cycles, which are found in products like food can liners, cosmetics, pesticides.

Some super foods to tackle thyroid malfunction

Seafoods like shrimps, sardines, tuna, as they are good source of Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, contain Omega 3 fattyacids, making it top foods for thyroid problems.

Consuming yogurt provides a good amount of Iodine necessary to balance thyroid gland levels in the body.

Coconut Oil contains Triglycerides, which helps as a metabolism regulator and maintains a level body temperature.

Cranberries or blueberries provide you with a boost of Vitamin C and anti inflammatory nutrients.

Baked potatoes are a good for source of Tyrosine and other amino acids.

Beans are a very good source of Fibre and also rich in iodine.

Nuts are high in Selenium which helps in smooth thyroid gland function.